Pontiac G3 Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for a Pontiac G3 Ignition Coil Replacement is between $229 and $242. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $56 while parts are priced between $185 and $186. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

What is an ignition coil?

Ignition coils are part of the ignition system, and send high voltage electricity to the spark plugs, which is necessary for a powerful spark.

How does the ignition coil work?

For most modern vehicles, the computer times the ignition coils by using the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, and there is one ignition coil power cylinder, mounted on the top of the valve cover. Older vehicles are much more complicated, and there are many more components. The ignition system for those vehicles begins when the coil receives battery voltage, and transforms it into high voltage. The distributor rotor receives high voltage electricity from the ignition coil, and sends it through the distributor cap through an electrode on the tip of the rotor. As the rotor spins, electrical power is transferred from the rotor to individual electrodes inside the distributor cap. This action is timed for the moment the cylinder needs the spark plug to fire, and the sequence creates a combustion event inside the engine.

What are the symptoms related to a bad ignition coil?

A failing ignition coil will create misfires in the engine, and lead to hesitation, extreme power loss, engine stalling, poor fuel mileage, and illumination of the check engine light. The on-board diagnostics (OBD) trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer will reflect engine misfires, catalyst inefficiency, and O2 sensor related errors. Under the hood there may be audible arching, that sounds like a rubber band snapping, coming from the ignition coil insulated wire that connects the ignition coil to the ignition distributor. The ignition coil may look burned, or white where the terminal connects to the insulated wire. Lastly, when the ignition coil completely fails, the engine will continuously fail to start, or start and stall.

Can I drive with an ignition coil problem?

Ignition system components cause many problems when they fail, normally making the vehicle unpleasant or impossible to drive. Also, the amount of unburned fuel going into the catalyst could cause the catalyst to fail, requiring replacement. With severe ignition problems, the vehicle should be towed to a repair facility.

How often do ignition coils need to be replaced?

Ignition coils fail on vehicles at all mileage and ages. Some coils will last the lifetime of the vehicle, and other may only last 5,000 miles. Most ignition coils will make it 60,000 miles or more. Some manufacturers recommend replacement of the ignition coils at scheduled intervals, based on their independent testing, and this schedule should be followed to reduce the likelihood of failure.

Related Pontiac G3 Estimates

How are ignition coil issues diagnosed?

For distributor type ignitions, and vehicles which use one coil for multiple cylinders, the path to diagnosing a failed coil begins with the type of symptoms, and the trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer. If the engine has misfires on only one or two cylinders, but the coil that powers those spark plugs powers other spark plugs as well, the ignition coil will not be suspected. However, if every spark plug for one coil is not firing, that ignition coil will be suspected. This is the same principle for newer vehicles which use one coil per spark plug. If the engine misfire is only on one cylinder, the components for only that cylinder should be examined. If the coil is suspected to be faulty, the coil will be tested, and, if faulty, will be replaced.

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for an Ignition Coil Replacement is between $229 and $242 but can vary from car to car.

How is an ignition coil replaced?

Most ignition coils are easy to replace, and, only take minutes to do the job correctly. However, individual coil packs, and ignition coils imbedded inside the ignition distributor, well take more time to change. In some of these vehicles where clearance for component removal is an issue, the engine mounts be removed to create clearance.

OBD codes related to Ignition Coil Replacement

RepairPal Recommendations for ignition coil issues

Many times, the ignition coil connector, or the insulated cable from the ignition coil to the distributor has failed, causing the same symptoms as a failed ignition coil. Proper testing will prevent the replacement of a properly functioning component in these situations.

What to look out for when dealing with ignition coil issues

Some ignition coils are better than others at generating high voltage electricity for the spark plugs. Purchasing ignition parts that are built to exact OEM standards or better is recommended. Purchasing inferior parts may lead to a repeated repair.

Can I replace the ignition coil myself?

Replacing an ignition coil is an easy task, and can be done safely by almost anyone as long as precautions are taken against electric shock. In most vehicles, the ignition coil or ignition coils are accessible, and replacing the coil should only take minutes. In some cases, especially for vehicles with individual coil packs installed on each cylinder, removing the rear coil packs may be problematic. In these scenarios, the engine mounts may even have to be removed to create access. In these extreme cases, we recommend trusting a technician to complete the repair to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle.